Mining in Raja Ampat Puts Rare Blue Orchid at Risk

5 hours ago 1

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Assistant Professor from the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at IPB University, Agus Hikmat, stated that the blue orchid (Dendrobium azureum Schuit), a rare and endemic species found only in the Waigeo Island Nature Reserve in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, could be threatened by long-term mining activities. The unique flora habitat has not been damaged by the recent buzz surrounding nickel mining. However, the danger remains in the future.

"The damage occurring on the surrounding islands (of Raja Ampat) due to mining activities could threaten the habitat on Waigeo Island, especially with the strong ocean currents," he said in a written statement on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

According to Agus, the blue orchid has been globally categorized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Despite this, Indonesia has not included Dendrobium azureum in the list of protected plants based on the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 concerning Protected Plant and Animal Species.

From a botanical and conservation standpoint, he continued, the Waigeo blue orchid is highly valuable because it is only found in one place in the world: Waigeo. As it is not legally protected nationally, Agus emphasized the need for attention and protective measures from domestic regulators.

"As an endemic species with an endangered status, the blue orchid requires serious protection," said Agus, a researcher in plant conservation.

Overall, the blue orchid is threatened by deforestation and hunting for trade. In the long run, however, mining could also damage this flora. Agus suggested that mining activities in the Raja Ampat region should be stopped to preserve the unique biodiversity, on land and in the sea.

"The use of the Raja Ampat region should be directed towards environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism activities," he said.

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